Volunteers needed for Blackbird Creek tree planting

Blackbird Creek Reserve is seeking volunteers to help plant more than 300 trees Oct. 27 to enhance and preserve the Delaware Bayshore.

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By Staff Reports

Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times

By Staff Reports

Posted Oct. 23, 2012 at 7:00 AM

By Staff Reports

Posted Oct. 23, 2012 at 7:00 AM

Townsend, Del.

Blackbird Creek Reserve is seeking volunteers to help plant more than 300 trees Oct. 27 to enhance and preserve the Delaware Bayshore.

The reserve, which is located along the bayshore in Townsend just north of Smyrna, is one of the two components of Delaware's National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The more than 300 new trees will create critical bird and wildlife habitats and expand the reserve's conservation efforts.

"This tree planting event is part of a long-range restoration plan that has been underway at Blackbird Creek Reserve since 2007," said Kimberly Cole, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve manager.

Over the last five years, more than 7,400 trees have been planted at the reserve and several hundred volunteers have participated.

Saturday's tree planting will begin at 10 a.m. and go until noon.

Trees that will be planted include native seedling tress, such as Willow Oak, Red cedar, River birch, and Red maple.

They will be planted along a stream that feeds into the Blackbird Creek.

Shovels and other equipment will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriate for the weather. Wearing work shoes or boots, heavy-duty gloves and hats is encouraged as well.

Volunteers should also bring insect repellent and sunscreen if needed.